Method and system for modular multiplexing and amplification in a multi-channel plan
US7054559B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04J14/0307
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for modular multiplexing and amplification of optical signals in subwindows within an operating window of a fiber optic communication network. An operating window is divided into subwindows. Optical signals in each subwindow are optically amplified separately and in parallel by a plurality of optical line amplifiers. According to one embodiment, the operating window is divided into four subwindows within an erbium wavelength band. Each subwindow corresponds to a different group of channels having optical signals of a different wavelength. Modular wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) units multiplex/demultiplex optical signals in the set of multiple channels. A modular WDM unit includes a coarse WDM unit and four fine WDM units. The coarse WDM multiplexes optical signals by wavelength into subwindows separated by relatively large guard bands. A fine WDM unit further multiplexes optical signals within a subwindow by wavelength into individual channels with a fine separation. Fine WDM units and optical line amplifiers can be added in a modular fashion, as needed, to support actual or anticipated traffic in the corresponding subwindows and channels therefor. Dispe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.